TubeNet

Smallish Miraphone 4 piston valve CC helicons that I believe were built at the Boehm and Meinl factory. The one I tried out years ago was a lot of fun to play. The last time one I saw was with the Jack Daniels Silver Cornet Band.

One of them was sold on Ebay a couple of years ago.

Seller's comments 3 and a half years ago:

Beautiful Mirafone CC Helicon. 4 valves. Originally made for the Jack Daniels Brass Band. I made a ton of money with this baby. Perfect for strolling gigs. I used it in the casinos of the Gulf Coast and Harrah's and at many New Orleans jazz brunches. Nice light weight, tight sound.

I remember something about this instrument being discussed, but not that it should have been built by Böhm & Meinl. In a way that would have been no surprise, as B&M have built instruments for the York brand (York Master), Marzan, and as recently told by bloke: also Getzen.

However I am a bit puzzled why B&M would apply the European circlophonium wrap, which incorporates sharper bends than the American wrap. The B&M instruments for the brands mentioned above all employed the American wrap which B&M clearly was tooled to make. The York Master BBb tubas could have their detachable bells exchanged with those of the Marzan line CC's. When they are known to reshuffle efficient parts, why would they then use less efficient parts on this instrument?

Those with good eyes for stays and other details may be able to tell a fuller story.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre

the elephant wrote:I could sure use one of those. I had no idea that they even existed. Learn stuff on TubeNet nearly every time I come here, and for over ten years now…

Dang.

And Klaus has a library of pictures about them, too!

--